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单词 ought to
释义
ought toought to /ˈɔːt tuː $ ˈɒːt-/ ●●● S1 W1 modal verb Word Origin
WORD ORIGINought to
Origin:
Old English ahte, past tense of agan; ➔ OWE
Examples
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
  • Don't you think you ought to eat before you go?
  • Maybe we ought to call the doctor.
  • The berries ought to be ripe by now.
  • Tricking old people like that ought to be illegal.
  • We ought to be able to find someone to do the job pretty quickly.
  • You ought to email or call her and say you're sorry.
  • You really ought to apologize to her, you know.
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
  • I believe women ought to be ordained to the priesthood.
  • If there is not tension at the Times around this issue, there ought to be.
  • In the genre terms, that ought to have made him unassailable.
  • She ought to have recognized Harry, that woollen hat, the jacket.
  • They can just be people who believe they ought to reshape society from top to bottom.
  • Tom Ripley ought to write the letter, he thought.
  • You ought to be proud, Herb.
Thesaurus
Longman Language Activatorwhen you should do something because it is your duty or is right
if you should do something, it is your duty to do it, or it is the best thing to do because it is right, fair, or honest: · I don't feel like working late tonight but I suppose I should.should do something: · I think you should tell her the truth.· You really should go see him while he's in the hospital.· Should we contact Joe's parents and tell them what's happened?should not/shouldn't do something: · You shouldn't talk to your father like that.should have done something (=it was the right thing to do, but someone did not do it): · They should have given you your money back.shouldn't have done something (=it was the wrong thing to do, but someone did it): · I'm sorry. I shouldn't have shouted at you.
use this to say that someone should do something because you think that it is right or that it is the best thing to do: · "Do you think we should tell him?'' "Well, we ought to really.''ought to to do something: · You ought to go to church more often.· Do you think we ought to call the police?· The Government ought to spend more on education.ought not to do something: · I think animals have rights, and we ought not to use them for experiments.
especially spoken use this to say that you think someone should do something because it would be the correct, polite, or fair thing to do: · I had better phone Alan and tell him I'm going to be late.· You'd better apologize to your mother for forgetting her birthday.had better not do something: · We'd better not tell anyone about this just yet.had better: · "Do you think we ought to tell Jane about the money?" "Yes, I think we'd better."
use this to say that someone should do something because there is a rule that says they should, because they have been told to do it, or because it is part of their job: · You're supposed to knock before you come in.· Put that cigarette out! You're not supposed to smoke in here.· What time are we supposed to meet?· I don't know why they're blaming him -- he only did what he was supposed to.
use this to say that people think someone should do something because of their position, age etc: · In many societies women are expected to stay at home.· The employees are well-paid but they're also expected to work long hours.
spoken use this to say that someone is responsible for doing something, because it is officially part of their job, or because they have agreed to do it: · It's my job to check that the equipment is in good working order.· I thought we'd agreed it was Mike's job to send out all the invitations.
spoken say this to emphasize that a particular person is responsible for doing something: · It's up to parents to teach their children the difference between right and wrong.it's up to somebody (=a particular person is responsible for making a decision): · I really don't think we should have to work on Saturday but it's not up to me.
use this to say that someone should do something because it is their legal or moral duty: · It is the judge's duty to give a fair summary of both sides of the case.· The government has a duty to provide education for every child.
when you should so something because it is sensible or healthy
if you should do something, it is the best thing to do because it is good for you or it will help you -- use this especially in suggestions or to give advice: · 'Do you think I should talk to a doctor about the pain in my back?' 'Yes, you should.'should do something: · Everyone keeps telling me I should give up smoking.· Should I wear the red dress or the black one?should not/shouldn't do something: · They shouldn't worry so much. Everything will be all right.should have done something (=it was the best thing to do, but someone did not do it): · I should have started saving for my retirement when I was younger.shouldn't have done something (=it was not a sensible thing to do but someone did it): · We shouldn't have bought such a big car.
use this to say that you think someone should do something because it is good for them or will help them: · The doctor told Dan he ought to exercise more.· You ought to ask Eric. I'm sure he'd be happy to help.
especially spoken use this to say that you think someone should do something because it is sensible or it will help them avoid problems: · You'd better be careful with that knife.· It was starting to snow and we thought we had better go home.
spoken say this to emphasize that you think an idea or suggestion will help someone or prevent problems: · "I'll check the oil before we set off." "Yes, that's a good idea."it's/that's a good idea to do something: · It's a good idea to photocopy your passport in case it gets stolen.
especially spoken use this to say that someone should spend the time, money, or effort needed to do something, because they will gain something useful from it: it's worth doing: · It's worth comparing a range of models before deciding which one to buy.it's worth the time/effort etc: · It's worth all the hard work and preparation to make the show a real success.it's worth it: · Get the car thoroughly checked by a professional. It may cost a bit of money but it's worth it, believe me.it's well worth it/doing something etc: · The movie was a little difficult to follow at first but it's well worth seeing.
formal if something is advisable , someone should do it or use it in order to avoid problems and succeed in what they are trying to do: · Use of the drug is not considered advisable when driving or using machinery.it is advisable to do something: · It is advisable to take some warm clothing with you, as the weather can change quite suddenly.
to advise someone
to tell someone what you think they should do, especially when you have more knowledge or experience than they have: advise somebody to do something: · I advise you to think very carefully before making any decision.· All US citizens in the area have been advised to return home.advise somebody against doing something (=advise them not to do it): · Her lawyers have advised her against saying anything to the newspapers.advise somebody on/about something: · Your teacher will be able to advise you about what qualifications you will need.strongly advise: · I strongly advise you to get medical insurance if you're going skiing.advise caution/restraint/patience etc: · Health experts advise extreme caution when handling these materials.
to tell someone what you think they should do, especially when this is your own personal opinion and not the result of particular information or knowledge: · My friends keep saying I ought to learn to drive.· Her mother said she should call the police immediately.· They say you should drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
to tell someone that you think they should do something, especially in order to avoid problems: tell somebody to do something: · I told him to go and see a doctor if he was worried.tell somebody (that) they should do something: · Jimmy has told him he should keep away from the gang for the next couple of weeks.
to tell someone your ideas about what they should do, where they should go etc: · "Why not ask Dad?" he suggested.· I'm not sure which is the best wine to order. What would you suggest?suggest (that): · Sarah suggested that I should apply for this job.
to advise someone to do something, especially when you have special knowledge of a particular subject or situation: · The Forsyth Report recommended stricter supervision of the trade in live animals.· Ask your tour guide to recommend the best places to eat.recommend that: · Doctors recommend that all children be immunized against polio and tuberculosis.recommend doing something: · I would always recommend buying a good quality bicycle rather than a cheap one.strongly recommend: · I strongly recommend that you get your brakes checked before you go on a long drive.
to strongly advise someone to do something because you think it is very important: · The company's bosses are urging full cooperation with the trade union.urge somebody to do something: · Police are urging drivers not to come into London this weekend.urge that: · He gave copies of the report to all those present at the meeting, urging that they read and digest its contents.
to advise someone about a problem or subject, especially something that they have asked you about: · I'm afraid that's the only advice I can give you.give advice to somebody: · The centre gives free advice to young people who have drug problems.give somebody advice: · Can you give me some advice? I'm thinking of buying a computer.give advice on/about: · Ask your bank to give you some advice about special student packages.
what you say when you are advising someone
spoken · You should go to the doctor with that cough.· I think you should stay here until you've sobered up.· That new restaurant's great -- you really ought to try it.· Do you know what you ought to do? You ought to tell her exactly what you think of her.
spoken say this when you are giving someone friendly advice: · I wouldn't do that if I were you.· Here's your money -- if I were you I'd put it in the bank right now.
spoken say this when you are advising someone how to do something in a better way: · The ferry takes about eight hours! You'd be better off going by plane.· I think you'd be better off using a knife rather than scissors for that job.
spoken say this when you think that someone should do something because you know from your own experience how unpleasant or difficult something can be: · Take my advice - don't go into teaching unless you're absolutely committed.· Divorces are a nightmare. Take my advice and stay single.
spoken say this when you are telling someone that they should trust the advice you are giving them because it is based on your personal experience: · Take it from me, you'll regret it if you waste your time at school.· Love affairs with colleagues never work out -- take it from me.
especially written use this when you are strongly advising someone to do something, especially because they may have trouble if they do not do it: · Before your interview you'd be well advised to have another look at what you put on the application form.· There are parts of Detroit you'd be well advised to avoid.
formal use this when you are strongly advising someone not to do something because it would be dangerous or stupid: · On no account should you attempt this exercise if you're pregnant.not on any account: · You shouldn't sign the contract unless you are sure you understand it. Not on any account.
spoken say this when you do not want someone to make a mistake, for example by forgetting to do something or losing something: · Make sure that you take your passport.· Make sure you lock all the doors and windows at night.
spoken say this when you are telling someone what you think the best way of dealing with a particular situation is, based on your own experience: · The best thing is to just ignore her. She'll soon take the hint.
spoken say this especially when you are warning someone to be careful about something: · A word of advice: when you're at the interview don't mention that you used to work in a bar.
1used to say that someone should do something because it is the best or most sensible thing to do SYN  should:  You really ought to quit smoking. The company ought to be making changes in its marketing strategy. What sort of crimes ought the police to concentrate on? You were out enjoying yourself when you ought to have been studying.2used to make a suggestion about something you think is a good idea, especially in a social situation SYN  should:  We ought to get together some time soon. You ought to meet him; he’s really nice. We ought to get her some flowers for her birthday. I ought to call Brian.3used to say that someone should do something or something should happen, because it is morally right or fair SYN  should:  You ought to be ashamed of yourself. The courts ought to treat black and white defendants in exactly the same way. Many people felt that America ought not to take part in the war.4used to say that you think something will probably happen, is probably true etc SYN  should:  He left two hours ago, so he ought to be there by now. They ought to win – they’ve trained hard enough. That ought to be enough potatoes for eight people. New technology ought to make this easier.GRAMMAR: Patterns with ought to• You say that someone ought to do something: · You ought to explain.• You say that someone ought to have done something: · You ought to have explained (=but you did not).• You say that someone ought not to do something: · She ought not to go.• You say that someone ought not to have done something: · She ought not to have gone (=but she did go).• You can also use oughtn’t: · She oughtn’t to go.· She oughtn’t to have gone.• You ask ought someone to do something: · Ought we to tell them?• You ask ought someone to have done something: · Ought we to have told them?Grammar guide ‒ MODAL VERBS
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更新时间：2024/11/14 12:47:29